Hospital Essentials

Well we have finally reached the point where it's time to pack for the hospital. With Asher I did not pack correctly at all. I had forgotten multiple things and was mislead as to what to actually pack. I read alot on pinterest and Google about what to pack, but honestly alot of those things did not seem necessary. So here's what I am taking to the hospital this time around! 

I feel really prepared this time! I hope this helps all you expecting Momma's out there! I go for comfort! 

The Hospital Bag:

• Slippers/ Moccasin's
  
  • Easiest thing to slide on and walk around the hospital in
• Flip Flops
  
  • Easy to put on and you will want these to shower in
• Yoga Pants
  
  • I packed 3 pairs. I just want to be comfortable
    
• T-Shirts
  
  • Going for comfort here. Easy to slide on
• Long sleeve shirt
  • ​I am typically a cold person so I may want this instead of a T-shirt
    
• Nursing Cami
• Socks
• Nursing Bra's
• Open front Sweater
  
  • ​​ Great to throw over your cami's or T-shirts to walk around
    
• Belly Band 
  
  • I like the support around my stomach and back
• Cell Phone Charger
• Makeup
  • ​Last time I did not think this was necessary. I had a lot of visitors and it would of been nice looking back at pictures to of had a little something on. I am only bringing foundation, mascara, and chap-stick
    

I did not pack any underwear. Where I deliver at they provide these awesome mesh panties! I use those and ask for some to take home! Super comfy! Also the hospital provides me with pads, numbing spray and a squirt bottle to wash your area after using the bathroom. Don't forget to take all these items home! You will use them! If the place your delivery does not provide mesh panties, make sure to pack granny panties. Yes, granny panties. The bigger the better. You are going to want comfort and your going to bleed a lot.

Toiletries:

• Hand wipes
• Tissues
• Q-Tips
• Toothpaste
• Toobrush
• Hair Ties
• Hair Brush
• Razor
• Deordorant
• Lotion
• Shaving Cream
• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Body Wash

I packed for Adam and I. Last time I forgot hair ties! How in the world did I forget hair ties! Also last time I tried bringing full size bottles and literally everything that was in my shower. This time I scaled it down but still have all the essentials!

Pumping Bag:

• Pump
• Tubing
• Power Cord
• Bottles
• Milk Bags
• Nipple Cream
• Breast Pads
• Nursing Cover
• Bag
• Hands Free pumping Bra

Okay, so last time I did not have a pumping bag. My milk wasn't even in at the hospital either. I had no idea how to even get a pump. The hospital did help with this process which was nice. I actually have a new pump coming for this baby! If you would like your pump before hand here's how you acquire it.

Call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card. They will tell you if your insurance covers a pump and will give you a phone number to call. I then called the number my insurance provided me and it was a simple process. They verified my insurance and coverage, ask a bunch of questions, and ordered my pump. Also what was nice going through them is that they have pumping supplies at a discounted price. So along with my pump coming I also have milk bags, cleaning wipes, and breast pads coming too!

The hospital will provide you with a pump to use while there. I had a horrible experience and asked 3 times for someone to show me how to use it and if I was doing it right. I ended up being frustrated and not using it the whole time in the hospital. Once I was home, I had a friend come over and she taught me all the functions of my pump!

Baby's Bag:

• A few Onsies
• Jammies
• Pacifier ( If using them)
• Going Home outfit
• Swaddle
• Burp Cloths ( my friend made me these amazing burp cloths that I am so excited to use! I had to pack them)
• Boppy Pillow
• Car Seat
• Special Blanket

The hospital will provide you with everything for the baby! From wash, lotion, diapers, receiving blankets, and pacifiers. I like to bring a few things from home for pictures and like dressing my baby in their own clothes. 

I love to be prepared and ready. Last pregnancy I went in for a check up and ended up not leaving. I was induced at 36 weeks. I thought we had a whole month still to prepare. This time around I know it is a little early but I want to be ready this time!